The mobile market, in Romania is quite crowded with several major carriers competing against providers. The ideal network for you depends on your needs and usage requirements. This article aims to give you an overview of Romania’s mobile operator factors to consider and a side, by side comparison of coverage, speeds, pricing, and plans. By the end of this article, you should have all the information to select the solution that suits your needs.

ROMANIA Mobile Operator

1. List of Mobile Operators in Romania

Below is a list of the major mobile network operators and MVNOS currently providing service in Romania:

1.1. Main Mobile Operators in Romania

There are four major Romania mobile operators with nationwide coverage:

These are facilities-based operators that own and operate their own network infrastructure. They have the widest coverage across Romania and offer 2G, 3G, 4G/LTE, and 5G services.

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Romania

In addition to the main MNOs, there are over 20 mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Romania. These are service providers that use the network infrastructure of the main operators. Some key MVNOs include:

  • RCS & RDS
  • Lycamobile
  • GSM International
  • BT Mobile
  • Carrefour Mobil

MVNOs typically offer lower prices but may have more limited services and coverage compared to MNOs.

2. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operator in Romania

When selecting a Romania mobile operator, here are some key factors to consider:

  • Coverage and speeds: Check coverage maps to see which operators offer the best service in your frequently visited areas. Look at average download/upload speeds.
  • Pricing and plans: Compare monthly rates, and prepaid options, and include minutes, texts, and data. Consider any discounts for bundles.
  • Customer service: Look at ratings and test experiences contacting each provider.
  • Features and perks: Consider any extra benefits like roaming, streaming, or loyalty programs.
  • Network technology: All major operators now offer 4G/LTE but if you need 5G, check availability.
  • Mobile devices: Make sure your existing phone is compatible or shop for a compatible device.

These factors will be based on your usage habits and budget. A careful consideration of both MNOs and MVNOs may be considered to find an optimal coverage and price balance.

3. Best Mobile Operators in Romania – Detailed Comparison

Let’s take a closer look at how the major mobile network operators in Romania compare across some key metrics:

Operator 4G coverage 5G coverage Data speeds Voice quality Customer service Price
Digi Mobile Excellent Excellent Very fast Very good Good Competitive
Orange Romania Very good Very good Very good Very good Good Competitive
Telekom Romania Good Good Good Good Good Competitive
Vodafone Romania Very good Very good Very fast Very good Good Competitive

In general, all four large telephone operators in Romania are fantastic.

While Digi Mobil may have the most impressive mix of coverage, speed, price, and customer care, oranges, Telekom and Vodafone are also good options.

The best mobile operator will depend on the parameters that are important to you personally. If you want the highest coverage and speed, then Digi Mobile or Vodafone is your best option. Orange would be the best quality if you are in search of the best voice. The cheapest option is the Digi Mobile if you are seeking to get the most affordable alternative.

4. Where to Buy SIM Cards from Romania Mobile Operators?

There are a few options to purchase SIM cards from Romania mobile operators:

  • Online: The mobile operators’ websites will provide you with options to purchase SIM cards online. This is normally the easiest way to purchase a SIM card since you can do that at any place in the world.
  • In-store: In addition, you can purchase SIM cards at the mobile operators’ premises and authorized retail shops. This is one good idea in the case where one would like to compare various plans and prices for a home security system before the purchasing stage.
  • At the airport: Additionally, it is possible to purchase SIM cards from convenience stores on arrival at the Romania airport. Such an option suits you in case you need a SIM card immediately when you get there.
Relay store at Bucharest Airport
Relay store at Bucharest Airport

For this purchase, you’ll have to present an ID card like a passport. Take note that data bundle costs should also be compared.

5. Do Mobile Operators in Romania Offer eSIM?

Yes, a few critical service providers like Orange, Vodafone, and Telekom Romania are also giving eSIM services and digital-only mobile plans nowadays.

A modern mobile service called eSIM lets you activate it from a digital profile with no need for regular SIM cards. This is very convenient, especially for dual-SIM phones, and if you want to keep your current SIM.

In Romania, for eSIM, you'll need a compatible phone - newer iPhone models and newer Android ones will do. Contact your operator for information about eSIM services and setup.

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6. FAQs about Romania Mobile Operators

Q: Which operator has the best coverage in Romania?

A: Orange Romania and Digi Mobil currently have the most extensive 4G coverage nationwide at over 99% of the population.

Q: Which operator has the fastest data speeds in Romania?

A: Orange tends to have the fastest average 4G speeds at over 30 Mbps. Vodafone and Telekom also have excellent 4G speeds above 120 Mbps.

Q: Which mobile operator is cheapest in Romania?

A: Vodafone offers some of the most affordable prepaid and postpaid plans starting at around 6 USD/month. Other low-cost MVNOs are also available.

Q: Can I use eSIM with Romania operators?

A: Yes, some Romanian operators like Orange and Vodafone support eSIM capabilities on compatible phones. This allows digital plan activation without a SIM card.

Q: Do Romania operators offer 5G service?

A: 5G has limited availability so far. Orange has the most extensive 5G rollout, followed by Vodafone and Digi Mobil in select areas and cities. Coverage is still expanding.

7. Conclusion

When choosing a mobile operator in Romania, consider your coverage needs, data use, budget, and phone’s capabilities. Orange and Vodafone have the best 4G coverage and speeds, competing against Telekom and Digi. Compare plans based on your data needs and locations visited. Fortunately, there are options so you can find an affordable plan matching your usage. 5G will further improve speeds and coverage over time on these networks.